Meet Leanna Hicks Carey | Oil Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leanna Hicks Carey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leanna, what role has risk played in your life or career?
It has always been very important to me to live authentically, and integrate what makes me unique into daily action. Risk taking is a way of life. I love that saying ” Fortune favors the bold” … My career began with a huge risk which was turning away from a very active social life and dependable income(s) to dedicate all of my time to my craft. I existed in extreme solitude and only left the house to go to the forest or ride my bike to the Mississippi River. This was about 8 years ago (2015) and I spent the first three of those years producing work and not traveling, not sharing holidays with family. It was intense, but necessary. I felt so done with being in the public and not having control of my own schedule and I was ready to sacrifice anything to have a chance to structure my life in a way that reflected my ever evolving true essence. After a few years of a rigid self imposed painting discipline, I began to see the fruits of my labor in Memphis Tn. In true fashion, just when things began to feel comfortable, I took another risk and uprooted to move to Detroit, Michigan in 2018. A risk that applied even more pressure for me to fine tune my practice. the Memphis community had been so supportive of my work and I had a wonderful client base there. Of course I did not realize how much I had it made in Memphis until I tried to rebuild elsewhere. The two years I spent in Detroit were extremely educational. The artists there are inclusive, raw, completely unique, and professional but still a bit unhinged (which I love). Detroit gave me a taste of a new reality and led me to spiritual truths I had not been able to find for myself in Memphis. I brought those revelations back with me when I returned to Memphis in 2020, and it felt like I picked right up where I left off. Notice I have made no mention of the pandemic- pandemic lifestyle was barely any different from how I was already living. I still have no idea how I’ve been able to connect with so many people when I feel like such a hermit. I’m thankful for that, and grateful to finally be a full time working artist in Memphis, Tn.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m not afraid to make work that is personal, of course it isn’t literal, but the work is driven by my complex past-life, and the work I’ve done to heal and kick ass. But when you think about it, many of us are kind of driven by those things, so how personal is my work really…The narratives are universal, mercurial, fantastical, moody, daring, spiritual. I cover all the bases of what it feels like to be alive. I don’t want this to come off the wrong way, but I don’t make work I think you will like. I make work that I like. That’s the only way this works. I paint everyday because its a declaration of my freedom. It’s why my practice doesn’t grow stale. It’s ruled by a raw intensity and rebellion, to prove to myself I can live a joyous life. This life won’t be without its problems, however painting brings me PURE JOY. I want to connect with people, and this joy is the vehicle. It hasn’t been an easy career path but discipline is the magic ticket. I do the same things everyday. Even when no one is clapping, no one is looking, do it for yourself. I’d advise others to not use popularity as a measure of success. Work hard, explore yourself, be honest, treat others with kindness, and don’t be afraid to sacrifice certain creature comforts for a while to secure financial stability for your future. I want the world to know I’m here reflecting the beauty she so graciously shares with me everyday!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to Shelby Forest to Pioneer Springs trail, and then we would head toward the Mississippi River boat ramp and park at the beach ( because ideally the water would be super low and the beach would be huge ) After walking around on the beach for an hour or so we would head back to midtown and stop at Joes Liquor and pick up a couple of bottles of Ginjo sake and then head back to my house and build a fire in the backyard while my culinary wizard of a husband made any kind of dinner – whatever food he touches turns to gold. If I cook, I forget I’m boiling a potato and the water boils out of the pot, potato sticks to bottom of pot, and I still eat it. I don’t cook anymore. Back to Memphis wildlife…Memphis has the most gorgeous and lush trails, I can’t get enough, best time ever. Then we would swing by any opening at Tops Gallery ( run by Matt Ducklo) and in my opinion – Tops is the hottest gallery in town, invested in my first piece of art there!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my goodness not sure where to begin, can’t choose just one … I’ll start with two Memphis artists/ mentors I worked for beginning in 2012. Paul Edelstein ( a painter ) and William Eggleston ( a photographer ). The Lamplighter Lounge, another place of employment but also where I liked to cause trouble before I, well stopped causing as much trouble. Rose Shoshana of ROSEGALLERY picked up my work in 2013, she really helped me believe in myself. The arts community of Memphis and my husband, Patrick Carey.

Website: https://lelecarey.bigcartel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lele.carey/

Image Credits
Photo of the artist taken by photographer Marcus Menefee